150 years ago
1874
College advertisement: This institution of learning is located at Philomath, Oregon, and is under the supervision of the United Brethren in Christ. The course of instruction is thorough, with a competent faculty, who take pleasure in assisting students in their studies. The great object of the institution is to prepare young men and women for the weighty responsibilities of life. The most earnest efforts will be put forth by the Faculty to implant in the student a good moral and Christian character. (Published March 28, 1874, in the Corvallis Gazette).
125 years ago
1899
19th century travel: The new steamer, “City of Eugene” went down the river to Portland on her first trip last Friday. This is a “daisy” in every particular. She makes good speed and is as trim and neat as a new pin. She is the counterpart of the “Gypsy” in size, though in appearance she is more like the “Ramona” and other smaller boats that ply the lower river. (Published April 7, 1899, in the Corvallis Gazette).
100 years ago
1924
Doctor Banks: Dr. Louis Albert Banks, well known by old-timers of Benton county, motored through Corvallis on his way from Salem to Roseburg yesterday. Doctor Banks is a distinguished native son of Benton county. He was born on the Banks donation land claim 12 miles southwest of Corvallis. He received his training in liberal arts at Philomath College, and his theological course at Harvard. While Homer Davenport as a cartoonist was better known the world over than any other native Oregon’an, the native son of Benton county is more widely known in America and England as a publisher of sermons than any other man west of the Rocky mountains. (Published March 28, 1924, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).
75 years ago
1949
Kings Valley mail: “Rumblings” were heard from over Kings Valley way this week when it was intimated that this famous old valley was a “lost province” to Benton county. It was pointed out that mail from Kings Valley must come via Monmouth and not direct, making a three-day trip instead of what should be a one-day trip. With the outlet from Kings Valley north, it has been natural for the people of this valley to go to Monmouth, Independence, Dallas or Salem for their groceries, supplies and in general for their shopping and services. Acting as spokesman in an unofficial way for Kings Valley, Postmaster J.M. Graham pointed out this week that with a direct mail route established between Kings Valley and Corvallis via Wren and Philomath, it would eventually direct traffic to Corvallis instead of north. There are about 100 families living in the Kings Valley area. (Published March 31, 1949, in the Benton County Herald).
40 years ago
1984
Sawmill loan: About 40 jobs in Benton County will be created if a Philomath hardwood mill receives a $250,000 loan needed to reopen the plant. Benton County Commissioners approved an Oregon Community Development grant application for Aldis, Inc., located on Clemens Mill Road northeast of Philomath. If the grant application is approved by the state, federal dollars will be funneled to Benton County for the loan, said William Cahill, director of District 4 Council of Governments. The mill, specializing in the production of alder and other hardwood lumber products, once operated as Nizich Forest Products from 1979 to 1982. (Published March 28, 1984, in the Benton Bulletin).